U.S. Senate Approves $10 Million For Hunter Access To Federal Lands

The U.S. Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would earmark at least $10 million for projects improving public access to federal public lands for hunters, anglers and outdoors recreation.

The legislation, which was taken from the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act and passed as an amendment to a larger energy bill, includes a provision called “Making Public Lands Public,” which dedicates 1.5 percent of Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars toward expanding recreational access to federal public lands.

In addition to making more federal lands accessible to hunters, the legislation would direct federal land-management agencies to purchase land to expand fish and wildlife habitat, and allow states to use Pittman-Robertson funds to create public shooting ranges on federal lands.

Crime Rises In Cities Shackled By Gun-Control Laws

In America’s 25 biggest cities, the murder rate rose by more than 13 percent in 2015. A new study from the Brennan Center for Justice on Wednesday reported that crime declined by 0.1 percent and crime rates remained at historic lows... nationally, despite the increase in a handful of cities.

Of the 30 cities studied, three accounted for more than half of the increase in murders last year—Baltimore, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Notably, all three cities are run by Democrats who have imposed strict gun-control legislation for decades.

Each of the three cities has an “assault weapon” ban in place. Chicago has a penalty tax on every gun sold in the city. And Washington, D.C., mandates gun registration.

As this study proves out, taking away guns from the law-abiding and leaving them in the hands of criminals is not—and has never been—the solution for reducing violent crime.

Anti-Gun Group Opposes Defending Schools With Rifles

Denver7 News has reported that Colorado Ceasefire’s Eileen McCarron expressed outrage that the security division of Douglas County Schools (DCS) is purchasing 10 Bushmaster rifles for its security team, all of whom are former law enforcement and train with the Sheriffs’ department. DCS officers will continue to carry handguns, as well.

“My first response was, ‘this is madness,’” said McCarron. “It seems like an insane response. I feel like the Douglas County response is just upping the ante—more gun, more powerful guns.”

Rich Payne, DCS Director of Safety and Security and a 25-year police veteran, said, “I can say from lessons learned and looking at all the situations that have happened across the country with shootings that having the correct tools, having the long rifles have helped out in situations.”

School board president Meghann Silverthorn backed Payne’s experience over McCarron’s feelings when she said, “If someone is coming at our kids with deadly force then it should be met with the same deadly force.”

Hillary Clinton Laments: “We Just Have Too Many Guns”

During a campaign stop in Philadelphia, Hillary Clinton appeared before supporters to further her attacks on her favorite targets—guns and the NRA. Alongside disgraced former Attorney General Eric Holder, the presidential candidate unsurprisingly talked out of both sides of her mouth.

“We have just too many guns,” she declared. “On the streets, in our homes, in our neighborhoods.” And yet, “we’re not interested in taking away guns of lawful, responsible gun owners.” Apparently she wasn’t referring to those same legal gun owners who live in homes and neighborhoods.

Considering that the presidential oath of office includes the vow to defend the U.S. Constitution, it’s ironic that Hillary’s sworn enemy is a group whose sole mission is to do just that. She can rest assured that gun owners across the nation—on the streets, in homes and neighborhoods—will do their best to assure that she won’t have to take a hypocritical oath.

OK State Senate Approves Self-Defense Legislation

HB 3098 would allow a law-abiding citizen to open carry a firearm on his or her person without the fees associated with obtaining a carry permit. House Joint Resolution 1009 makes a critical improvement to the current right to keep and bear arms amendment in Oklahoma’s Constitution.

Both will now be sent to a conference committee for further consideration. All freedom-loving Oklahomans should contact their state legislators to express their support for these two important self-defense measures by clicking here.

Armed Neighbor Stops Violent Attack

An Erie, Pa., homeowner recently used his firearm to come to the rescue of neighbors who were being savagely attacked.

According to local police, a man, who was on the run from police for kidnapping, burst into a random home on Tuesday morning and began beating the occupant and his wife. Upon hearing the altercation, a neighbor grabbed his gun, ran to the home and shot the attacker.

The attacker was placed in the Erie County Prison on $500,000 bond. According to police, the neighbor will not be charged.